The Friant-Kern Canal was designed as a gravity fed facility and does not rely on pumps to move water. Subsidence (which is the gradual sinking of an area of land) has caused parts of the canal to sink in relationship to others parts. This negatively affects the canal’s ability to convey water. When the land elevation lowers, the canal must be operated at a lower flow-stage to ensure that water doesn’t overflow the banks.
Subsidence has reduced the ability to deliver water to many Friant Division Contractor’s by nearly 60%.